Busy Moms Get Stuff Done

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I am a mom.
I am a third grade teacher.
I am a business owner.
I am a book club president.
I am a household manager.

Photos by Anna-Liisa Nixon Photography.

And the list could go on and on and on! As it could for every other mother. Moms are the busiest people on the planet regardless if they work, stay home, or balance somewhere in between. Before becoming a mom, I thought my life was busy, but now with three kids (and two dogs!), the meaning of busy has been redefined. At the moment, my life is pure chaos. So with only 24 hours in a day, how do I get it all done? The answer is, I have no other choice. I have found that the busier I am, the more stuff I get done!

Set Priorities

I think busy people are efficient people. I need to decide what is most important to me and let the little things go. I know that my top priorities throughout the day are that my kids are dressed (PJs count), fed, and most importantly happy. The laundry basket full of clean clothes can wait to be folded. I also make sure to continue doing the things I love. Reading is one of my favorite things to do, so no matter what, I make sure to fit it in at night. My book club also helps keep me on track since I have to finish the book by a deadline, and it’s a great excuse to socialize.

Make Lists

I write everything down. And when I have nothing to write with, Siri is my best friend. I constantly record reminders for myself. I can’t tell you how many times ideas pop into my head when I’m in the shower or driving to work. Instead of wasting time thinking of what I need to do, I can jump right in and get started.

Schedule Everything

I am not the greatest multi-tasker. I like to focus on one task until it is complete. I can’t describe the feeling of physically crossing something off of my never-ending to-do list. I get the most done at night after my kids are asleep. Each week night, I give myself at least one hour to get stuff done without distractions. I also have designated nights for writing, cleaning, and catching up on my Bravo TV.

Set a Wake-Up Time and Bedtime

I need my sleep! During the work-week, I am up at 5:30 a.m. (okay…I hit snooze 2-3 times) and in bed no later than 10:30 p.m. I have found that when I try to go to bed earlier, I feel guilty that there is more stuff I could get done. However, if I attempt to stay up later, I’m too tired to complete even the simplest of tasks. What takes me an hour in the evening usually takes me half the amount of time in the morning.

Ask For Help

I am the first to admit I need all the help I can get. Luckily I have a very supportive family that lives nearby (my sister lives a few houses down). After the birth of my twins, I was forced to accept the fact that I’m totally outnumbered.

Be Kind to Yourself

I try to cut myself some slack and not compare myself to other moms. Everyone has a unique family situation, and as moms, we need to do what is best for OUR family. I can’t waste time beating myself up about being a working mom and missing out on time with my kids. I always remind myself that quality time is more meaningful than the quantity of time.

I honestly don’t know how I survive some days, but other days I’m thriving. The busier I am, the less time I have to think about things. I’m too busy to stress out! I try to remind myself that life has its ups and downs. I need to keep moving to make it through.

What are your tips to get it all done?

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Michelle
Michelle is the Owner and Editor of Fairfield County Mom and Westchester County Mom. She has spent her entire life in Fairfield County, growing up in Norwalk and now residing in Fairfield, CT. Michelle married her husband, Chris, in October 2008. Before motherhood, she thought she was busy, but now life with her son Shane (March 2011), twins, Blake and Brynn (June 2013), Hank the Lab, and Bruce the Frenchie; the meaning of hectic has been redefined! Michelle is also a working mom, teaching third grade at a local public school. When she’s not making lists, chauffeuring the kids, and doing laundry, Michelle enjoys standing along the sidelines cheering on her kids, lounging with a good book, eating dark chocolate, and sipping on some tequila.

2 COMMENTS

  1. This is fantastic advice and totally true in my life too. I love that you give yourself an uninterrupted hour each night. I am going to be implementing that, along with your other tips!

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